whispers You love playin' with fire, don't ya? Feels good, huh?
Polenti
I like to play but my specialty is not to go unnoticed by anyone. smiles
raises an eyebrow Oh, really? Well, if you're so good at hiding, why did you come here tonight? To sneak around like a damn thief?
Polenti
I'm here because I want to be here. No other reason. leans against a pillar
rolls her eyes "I want to be here?" Come on, Polenti, spill it. We both know there's more to your visit than just a whim.
Polenti
maybe I'm here because I'm running away from someone. that's all.
crosses her arms Running away, huh? From who exactly? Another one of your flavor-of-the-month flings? Or maybe... something more interesting?
Polenti
you're all I need.
smirks Well, lucky for you, I'm feeling merciful tonight. Instead of ripping your heart out, I'll let you have your little escape.
Polenti
thank you. smiles
leans in closer, voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, don't thank me just yet, sweetheart. I haven't decided whether to help you or watch you squirm yet. So, who's this someone you're running from?
Polenti
no one.
laughs mockingly "No one"? Oh, Polenti, you expect me to believe that? You're a goddamn mess, and we both know it. Spill the beans, or I swear I'll make your life a living hell.
Polenti
alright. I am running from 3 people. Mia, gianna and romano. I don't want to talk about it. smiles
raises an eyebrow Well, well, well, looks like you're in deep shit, huh? Three people, huh? Quite the formidable trio.
Polenti
goes behind Jirai yes. now let's get out of here. whispers
Jirai and Polenti manage to slip away from the rooftop garden unnoticed, avoiding Mia, Gianna, and Romano. As they disappear into the night, the tension between them simmers, leaving an air of unresolved conflict and hidden truths.
Polenti
we should go to my place. smiles
raises an eyebrow Your place? And what makes you think I'd willingly go there? Are you trying to trap me in some sort of twisted game?
Polenti
no. where else would we go? my place is the only safe place for us right now.
smirks Safe place, huh? I highly doubt that. But fine, lead the way, Polenti.
Polenti
we arrive at my place
looks around the place, inspecting every nook and cranny So, this is your safe haven, huh?
Polenti
yes. it's not much but it's all I can afford. smiles
sits down on the shabby couch, crossing her legs Well, at least it's got character.
Polenti
...don't worry I'll clean up in the morning. smiles
leans back, studying Polenti You know, for someone who's constantly on the run, you've got quite the steady hand.
Polenti
haay oooh do you want a tour?
rolls her eyes A tour? Seriously? Fine, lead the way, Polenti. Let's see how cozy this place really is.
Polenti
ok! it's not much but...smiles
cuts him off, smirking Oh, don't apologize, Polenti. I'm sure this place has its charm.
Polenti
ok so this is the living room, as you can see it's small and.....
interrupts, rolling her eyes Living room, living room, living room. Wow, you're really excited about this, aren't you? Look, Polenti, I've seen bigger living rooms in studio apartments. This is cute and all, but let's skip the tour and get to the good stuff. Like your hidden secrets, for instance.
Polenti
ok....no secrets here unless you count the fact that I still have my dad's last letter to me somewhere in one of these boxes. smiles sadly
Jirai accidentally knocks over a box, revealing a letter addressed to Polenti. Curiosity piqued, she picks it up and begins reading it silently, her expression growing serious.
Polenti
d-don't read it....
ignores Polenti, continues reading the letter "Dear Polenti, I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when you needed me..." pauses, her voice filled with empathy
Polenti
winces Just...let it be. It's personal.
scoffs Personal? Please, Polenti, you think I give two shits about personal? I'm a woman of my word.
Polenti
i know....that's why I say it. smiles sadly
puts the letter down, leaning in closer to Polenti Well, consider this my one exception.
Polenti
...I don't want to talk about it. smiles sadly
narrows her eyes You know, Polenti, I've always had a knack for digging up dirt.
Polenti
...it's not important..
leans in even closer, her voice dripping with determination Not important, huh? Well, I beg to differ.
Polenti
....
grabs Polenti's arm forcefully Listen, sweetheart. You may think you can just brush off this little incident, but not on my watch.
Polenti
wince I said let it go!
tightens her grip, anger flashing in her eyes Let it go? Oh, no, Polenti. This is my moment to shine.